Tutorial7 min read

Writing entry and exit rules you can actually explain

A rule is only useful if it is unambiguous. How to phrase entries and exits so automation — and your future self — reads them the same way.

Unambiguous beats clever

"Buy when momentum looks good" cannot be automated. "Buy when the 50-period average closes above the 200-period average" can. Every rule needs a trigger, a timeframe and a confirmation point (usually the candle close).

Always define the exit first

Entries decide how often you trade; exits decide what you keep. Define the exit rule, the invalidation level and the maximum holding period before you finalise the entry.

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Avoid overlapping signals

If two rules can fire on the same bar, state which one wins. My Metric Trade shows you the resolved rule order in plain language before you activate a strategy, so there is no hidden behaviour at runtime.

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My Metric Trade Editorial

Published 15 June 2025

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